Vehicle systems and methods for determining a target based on a virtual eye position and a pointing direction

ABSTRACT

Vehicle systems and methods for determining a target position are disclosed. A vehicle includes a user detection system configured to output a gesture signal in response to a hand of a user performing at least one gesture to indicate a final target position. The vehicle also includes a user gaze monitoring system configured to output an eye location signal that indicates an actual eye position of the user. The vehicle also includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory memory modules communicatively coupled to the processors. The processors store machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to determine a first point and a second point located on the hand of the user based at least in part on the gesture signal from the user detection system. The first point and the second point define a pointing axis of the hand of the user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to vehicles and, more specifically, to vehicles having systems that determine a target position that a user is gesturing towards, where the user's gaze is directed towards a location other than the target position.

BACKGROUND

Some types of vehicle systems may allow a driver or passenger to provide input without manipulating buttons or other tactile inputs. More specifically, the vehicle may receive nonverbal communication from an individual using hand gestures. The vehicle includes sensors to detect the movement and position of an individual's hand, and determines the information the individual is attempting to convey based on the movement and position of the hand. However, some challenges may exist in certain situations that can limit the system's ability to interpret some of the information expressed by an individual's hands.

In addition to systems that allow for a driver to provide input based on hand gestures, some vehicles include an eye-tracking system that is capable of tracking the driver's gaze direction. The driver's gaze direction may be used to determine the driver's level of awareness as he or she is operating the vehicle. The driver normally directs his or her attention towards the environment located in front of the vehicle. Therefore, drivers typically direct their gaze away from the front of the road for only a few moments at a time while operating the vehicle. For example, a driver may turn his or her head to the side and look out of one of the side windows of a vehicle, but only for a few seconds. Accordingly, eye-tracking systems are limited in their ability to determine commands based on the gaze direction of the driver.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a user detection system configured to output a gesture signal in response to a hand of a user performing at least one gesture to indicate a final target position. The vehicle also includes a user gaze monitoring system configured to output an eye location signal that indicates an actual eye position of the user. The vehicle also includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. The processors store machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the processors to determine a first point and a second point located on the hand of the user based at least in part on the gesture signal from the user detection system. The first point and the second point define a pointing axis of the hand of the user. The processors are also caused to calculate a virtual eye position based at least in part on a first point located on the hand of the user and the actual eye position. The processors are further caused to calculate a first target position based on the virtual eye position and a second target position based on the pointing axis of the hand of the user. The processors are caused to determine the final target position based on the first target position and the second target position. Finally, the processors are caused to control at least one vehicle system based at least in part on the final target position.

In another embodiment, a vehicle includes a user detection system configured to output a gesture signal in response to a hand of a user performing at least one gesture to indicate a final target position. The vehicle also includes a user gaze monitoring system configured to output an eye location signal that indicates an actual eye position of the user. The vehicle also includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. The processors store machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to determine a first point and a second point located on the hand of the user based at least in part on the gesture signal from the user detection system. The first point and the second point define a pointing axis of the hand of the user. The processors are also caused to calculate a virtual eye position based at least in part on a first point located on the hand of the user and the actual eye position. The processors are further caused to calculate a first target position based on the virtual eye position and a second target position based on the pointing axis of the hand of the user. The processors are caused to compare a first accuracy associated with the first target position with a second accuracy associated with the second target position. In response to determining the first accuracy and the second accuracy are equal to one another, the processors are caused to determine the final target position based on weighting the first target position and the second target position equally. In response to determining the first accuracy and the second accuracy are unequal to one another, the processors are caused to determine the final target position based on weighting the first target position and the second target position unequally. Finally, the processors are caused to control at least one vehicle system based at least in part on the final target position.

In yet another embodiment, a method for determining a final target position that a user of a vehicle is gesturing towards is disclosed. The method includes determining, by a computer, a first point and a second point located on a hand of the user based at least in part on a gesture signal generated by a user detection system. The first point and the second point define a pointing axis of the hand of the user. The method also includes calculating a virtual eye position based at least in part on a first point located on the hand of the user and an actual eye position of the user, where an eye location signal generated by a user gaze monitoring system generates the actual eye position. The method also includes calculating, by the computer, a first target position based on the virtual eye position. The method further includes calculating, by the computer, a second target position based on the pointing axis of the hand of the user. The method also includes determining the final target position based on the first target position and the second target position by the computer. Finally, the method includes controlling at least one vehicle system based at least in part on the final target position.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the disclosure. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of an example vehicle configured to determine a final target position based on a virtual eye position and a direction that a hand of a user is pointing towards, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic top view of a user of the vehicle pointing towards a first target position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the user driving the vehicle and pointing towards the first target position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the user pointing towards the object and also directing his or her gaze towards the first target position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic top view of the user and includes the first target position, a second target position, and the final target position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of an example method for determining the final target position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to vehicle systems and methods to determine a target position that a user is pointing towards when his or her gaze is directed in a location other than the target position. In the embodiments as described in the present disclosure, the user is a driver of the vehicle. However, it should be appreciated that that the disclosure may also be applied towards a passenger of the vehicle as well.

When operating a vehicle, the driver normally directs his or her attention towards the environment located in front of the vehicle, and may turn his or her head momentarily to glance at objects located on either side of the vehicle. The driver may point or gesture towards a particular object or direction located in the surrounding using his or her hands, where the gesture may be used to convey information to one or more vehicle systems. For example, the driver may point towards a specific landmark, and the landmark is conveyed to a GPS or an interactive dialog system. However, since the driver is usually directing his or her attention towards the front of the vehicle, the direction of the driver's gaze may not align with the direction indicated by the hand.

In some instances, the direction indicated by a particular driver's hand may be relatively accurate. That is, a driver may tend to point in a direction that is relatively close to or on the target position. However, another driver may not point towards the target position as accurately because he or she is gesturing towards the target position in a different manner. In other words, the accuracy of the direction intended by the driver's hand depends on upon the specific pointing style used by the driver. For example, some people may point to an object using their index finger. However, other people may point using a different finger. Some people may even point using another object that they grasp in their hand. The object grasped by the hand may be, for example, a writing instrument like a pen or an object located within proximity of the driver (e.g., a pair of sunglasses or the driver's cellular telephone).

The disclosed system also determines a simulated or virtual position of the driver's eyes. The virtual position of the driver's eyes is aligned with the target object and the tip of the driver's finger, and is used to determine the target position that the driver is pointing towards. As mentioned above, the driver is looking in a direction other than the target location (e.g., towards the front of the vehicle). The virtual eye position may be calculated by the location of the hand of the driver and the actual position of the driver's eyes. The location of the driver is determined based on a gesture signal that is generated by an object detection system. The system determines an actual position of the driver's eyes (i.e., the real position of the eyes) based at least in part on an eye location signal generated by a driver gaze monitoring system.

The system then determines the virtual eye position by rotating the actual position of the driver's eyes about a vertical axis of the driver until a midpoint measured between the driver's eyes is aligned with the driver's fingertip. The position of the driver's eyes when aligned with the driver's fingertip represents the virtual eye position. Similar to the pointing direction indicated by the user, the virtual eye position may also vary in accuracy between different users. That is, the virtual eye position corresponding to one particular individual may be more accurate or less accurate than the virtual eye position that corresponds to another individual.

Once the virtual eye position is determined, the system may determine a directional vector that is oriented towards a first target position. The first target position represents the target position calculated based on the virtual eye approach. The system also determines a directional vector pointing towards a second target position. The second target positon is based on the pointing direction that the driver's hand is gesturing towards. The system then calculates an actual or final target position that the driver is gesturing towards by combining the first target position with the second target position.

In some embodiments, the first target position and the second target position are weighted equally to determine the final target position. Specifically, the first target position and the second target position are weighted equally when both the first target position and the second target position provide equal accuracies between one another. In another embodiment the first target position and the second target position are weighted unequally. More specifically, the first target position may be weighted more heavily if the virtual eye approach provides a more accurate result when compared to the driver's hand. Similarly, the second target position may be weighted more heavily if the driver's hand provides a more accurate result when compared to the virtual eye approach.

Various embodiments of vehicles and methods for determining a target position that the user is gesturing towards are disclosed below.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a vehicle 100 is schematically depicted. The vehicle 100 may be any passenger vehicle such as, for example, a terrestrial, aquatic, and/or airborne vehicle. The vehicle 100 includes a communication path 104, an electronic control unit 102, an object detection system 130, a driver detection system 140, a driver gaze monitoring system 170 (which may also be referred to as a user gaze monitoring system), and one or more vehicle systems 180. The electronic control unit 102 includes one or more processors 105 and one or more memory modules 106. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the electronic control unit 102 is configured to calculate a final target position 112 that is located in an environment surrounding the vehicle 100. The final target position 112 may represent an object that the driver is pointing at such as a person, an animal, a landmark, another vehicle, a building, and the like. The location represented by the final target position 112 represents where a driver of the vehicle 100 is attempting to point or gesture towards using his or her hand 110, and is based on two discrete target locations, namely a first target location T1 and a second target location T2 that are calculated based on two different approaches that are described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 1, the communication path 104 provides data interconnectivity between various modules disposed within the vehicle 100. Specifically, each of the modules may operate as a node that may send and/or receive data. In some embodiments, the communication path 104 includes a conductive material that permits the transmission of electrical data signals to processors, memories, sensors, and actuators throughout the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the communication path 104 can be a bus, such as, for example, a LIN bus, a CAN bus, a VAN bus, and the like. In some embodiments, the communication path 104 may be wireless and/or an optical waveguide. Components that are communicatively coupled may include components capable of exchanging data signals with one another such as, for example, electrical signals via conductive medium, electromagnetic signals via air, optical signals via optical waveguides, and the like.

Accordingly, the communication path 104 may be formed from any medium that is capable of transmitting a signal such as, for example, conductive wires, conductive traces, optical waveguides, or the like. Moreover, the communication path 104 may be formed from a combination of mediums capable of transmitting signals. In some embodiments, the communication path 104 comprises a combination of conductive traces, conductive wires, connectors, and buses that cooperate to permit the transmission of electrical data signals to components such as processors, memories, sensors, input devices, output devices, and communication devices. Additionally, it is noted that the term “signal” means a waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical or electromagnetic), such as DC, AC, sinusoidal-wave, triangular-wave, square-wave, vibration, and the like, capable of traveling through a medium.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the electronic control unit 102 may be any computing device. For instance the electronic control unit 102 may be any type of vehicle-installed, handheld, laptop, or other form of single computing device, or may be composed of multiple computing devices. The electronic control unit 102 includes one or more processors 105 for controlling operations of the electronic control unit 102. The one or more processors 105 may include any device capable of executing machine-readable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Accordingly, each of the one or more processors 105 may include a controller, an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, and/or any other computing device.

The electronic control unit 102 further includes one or more memory modules 106 communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 105. The one or more memory modules 106 may be configured as volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and, as such, may include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM), flash memory, secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), and/or other types of non-transitory computer-readable mediums. Depending on the particular embodiment, these non-transitory computer-readable mediums may reside within the electronic control unit 102 and/or external to the electronic control unit 102. The one or more memory modules 106 may be configured to store one or more pieces of logic as described in more detail below. The embodiments described herein may utilize a distributed computing arrangement to perform any portion of the logic described herein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include logic that includes machine-readable instructions and/or an algorithm written in any programming language of any generation (e.g., 1GL, 2GL, 3GL, 4GL, and/or 5GL) such as, machine language that may be directly executed by the processor, assembly language, object-oriented programming (OOP), scripting languages, microcode, etc., that may be compiled or assembled into machine-readable instructions and stored on a machine-readable medium. Similarly, the logic and/or algorithm may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as logic implemented via either a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and their equivalents. Accordingly, the logic may be implemented in any conventional computer programming language, as pre-programmed hardware elements, and/or as a combination of hardware and software components. Logic stored on the one or more memory modules 106 may include, for example, object recognition logic, speech recognition logic, risk determination logic, notification generation logic, and autonomous vehicle control logic. Thus, the electronic control unit 102 includes logic to calculate the virtual eye position and then determine the location of the final target position 112.

As noted above, the logic stored on the one or more memory modules 106 may include object recognition logic. The object recognition logic may include any known or yet-to-be-developed object recognition algorithms that may be utilized to detect objects within an environment. Example object recognition algorithms include, but are not limited to, edge detection algorithms, corner detection algorithms, blob detection algorithms, and feature description algorithms (e.g., scale-invariant feature transform (“SIFT”), speeded up robust features (“SURF”), gradient location and orientation histogram (“GLOH”), and the like). The logic stored on the electronic control unit may also include speech recognition logic used to detect the words spoken by the driver and/or passengers within the vehicle 100. Any known or yet-to-be-developed speech recognition algorithms may be used for the speech recognition logic.

In the embodiments described herein, the one or more memory modules 106 and the one or more processors 105 are integral with the electronic control unit 102. However, it is noted that the electronic control unit 102, the one or more memory modules 106, and the one or more processors 105 may be discrete components communicatively coupled to one another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As an example and not a limitation, one or more processors and one or more memory modules 106 of the electronic control unit 102 may be remote to the vehicle 100. For example, the vehicle 100 may be in wireless communication (e.g., using a wireless communication system) with a remote server storing logic and data that is configured to perform at least some of the functionalities described herein.

The object detection system 130 is communicatively coupled to the electronic control unit 102 over the communication path 104. The object detection system 130 may include any device configured to detect the presence of an object within the surrounding environment of the vehicle 100. More specifically, the object detection system 130 is configured to detect the presence of an object within the vicinity of the vehicle 100. The object detection system 130 may include an object detection sensor 132 configured to output an object signal indicative of the presence of one or more objects within the vicinity of the vehicle 100. Based on the object signal of the object detection sensor 132, the electronic control unit 102 may execute object recognition logic to detect an object and classify the detected object into a classification. The object detection sensor 132 may include, but is not limited to, a camera, a LiDAR sensor, a RADAR sensor, a sonar sensor, a proximity sensor, and the like. In some embodiments, the object detection system 130 includes more than one object detection sensor 132.

The driver detection system 140 is communicatively coupled to the electronic control unit 102 over the communication path 104. The driver detection system 140 may include any device configured to detect the presence, movements and/or actions of the driver of the vehicle 100. As such, the driver detection system 140 may include one or more driver detection sensors 142. The driver detection sensors 142 may include, but are not limited to, a camera with a field of view on a face and the surrounding area of the driver. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the driver detection sensors 142 are configured to output a gesture signal that is indicative of a first point 200 located on the driver's hand 110. The gesture signal is created in response to the driver raising his or her hand 110 away from a steering wheel 144 of the vehicle 100 attempting to point or otherwise draw attention to the second target position T2. That is, the gesture signal is created in response to the driver gesturing towards one or more objects using his or her hand 110.

In the exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the first point 200 of the driver's hand 110 represents a tip 208 of one of the fingers 114 located on the hand 110 of the driver. More specifically, the first point 200 is at the tip 208 of the driver's index finger 114. This is because the driver is gesturing towards the second target position T2 by pointing his or her index finger 114 along a pointing direction P. Accordingly, the electronic control unit 102 determines that the driver is pointing towards the second target position T2 using his or her hand 110, and sets the first point 200 as the tip 208 of the driver's index finger 114. Although the index finger 114 is described, it should be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to gesturing towards the second target position T2 using an index finger of an individual. Instead, the driver may point using one or more digits of the hand 110 (e.g., the thumb, ring finger, etc.), where the tip of one or more digits of the user's hand 110 represent the first point 200.

In another embodiment, the first point 200 may not be located on the driver's hand 110. Instead, the driver may grasp an article or item with his or her hand. The driver may then use the object to point towards an object. For example, instead of using his or her index finger 114 the driver may point towards the second target position T2 using elongated articles such as a pen, a pencil, a stick, or the like. Therefore, the tip 208 of the driver's finger 114 is actually represented by an endpoint of the article that is being grasped by the driver. Specifically, a distal end of the article may be considered the tip 208 of the driver's finger 114. The distal end of the article points towards the second target position T2 (FIG. 5) and a proximate end of the article is grasped by the driver. Furthermore, although elongated objects such as pencils and pens are described, the disclosure is not limited to elongated object. The driver may also gesture using any other article that is sized to be grasped by the hand 110 of the driver, and can be manipulated to point towards a particular direction. For example, the article may be an item that the driver usually wears or keeps nearby while driving the vehicle 100 such as, but not limited to, a cellular telephone, a pair of sunglasses, and the like.

Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, the driver gaze monitoring system 170 is communicatively coupled to the electronic control unit 102 over the communication path 104. The driver gaze monitoring system 170 may include any device configured to monitor the driver's gaze associated movement. More specifically, the driver gaze monitoring system 170 includes one or more devices to monitor a direction and motion of the eyes 116 of the driver relative to his or her head 126. As such, the driver gaze monitoring system 170 may include one or more eye tracking systems 172 configured to output a direction signal indicative of the driver's gaze direction, which is referred to in FIG. 2 as D1. The eye tracking systems 172 may also output an eye location signal that indicates an actual position of the eyes 116 of the driver. As an example and not a limitation, the eye tracking system may include one or more cameras or some other optical sensors for detecting light reflected back from the driver's eyes. As a non-limiting example, the light reflected back from the driver's eyes may be near infrared light, which may range from about 700 nanometers to 2500 nanometers in the electromagnetic spectrum.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view illustrating a head 126 and a finger 114 of the driver, where the driver is pointing towards a first target position T1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the driver gesturing towards the first target position T1 shown in FIG. 2. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the driver is attempting to gesture towards the first target position T1 using one of the fingers 114 on his or her hand 110, where the driver is pointing or gesturing in the pointing direction P (FIG. 3), but the driver's gaze is directed towards the driver's gaze direction D1. The driver's gaze direction D1 is pointing towards a location that is different than the first target position T1. For example, the driver's gaze direction D1 is directed towards a driving route 118 of the vehicle 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, both the first target position T1 as well as the second target position T2 are shown, where the second target position T2 is based on the direction indicated by an index finger 114 of the driver's hand 110 (i.e., the pointing direction P). The electronic control unit 102 calculates the first target position T1 based on the virtual eye position, the second target position T2, and then determines the final target position 112 based on the first target position T1 and the second target position T2. More specifically, in the non-limiting embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the final target position 112 is determined by dividing an angle A created by a first vector representing the driver's gaze direction D1 and a second vector representing the pointing direction P into two different sub-angles. More specifically, the angle A is divided into a first sub-angle α₁ and a second sub-angle α₂. Although FIG. 5 illustrates the angles α₁ and α₂ being equal to one another, it should be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to this particular configuration. That is, the angles α₁ and α₂ may also be unequal as well.

Calculation of the first target position T1 (FIG. 2) based on the virtual eye position will now be described. Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, in response to receiving the eye location signal from the eye tracking systems 172, the electronic control unit 102 determines the position of the eyes 116 of the driver. The electronic control unit 102 then calculates a midpoint M1 between the two eyes 116 of the driver. More specifically, as seen in FIG. 2 the electronic control unit 102 calculates the midpoint M1 by determining a first line segment S1 relative to the driver's head 126. The first line segment S1 intersects both eyes 116 of the driver, is tangent with respect to the driver's head 126, and is substantially perpendicular with respect to the vector representing the driver's gaze direction D1. The midpoint M1 represents a middle point between the two eyes 116 of the driver that intersects the first line segment S1.

In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the driver's head 126 is drawn as a circle for purposes of simplicity and clarity in the illustration. However, it should be appreciated that the illustration shown in FIG. 2 is not limiting. The electronic control unit 102 may calculate the line segment S1 and the midpoint M1 by modeling the driver's head using any number of shapes or profiles.

The electronic control unit 102 may then calculate the virtual eye position, which represents a simulated or virtual position of the driver's eyes. As seen in FIG. 2, a set of virtual eyes 120 of the driver is shown. The virtual eyes 120 are directed towards the first point 200 on the driver's hand 110. That is, FIG. 2 illustrates the pair of virtual eyes 120 directed towards the tip 208 of the finger 114. The electronic control unit 102 may calculate the position of the set of virtual eyes 120 by rotating the actual position of the driver's eyes 116 about a vertical axis A-A of the head 126 of the driver until the midpoint M1 measured between the driver's eyes 116 is aligned with the first point 200 located at the tip 208 of the driver's finger 114 when viewed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis A-A of the driver (i.e., a horizontal plane). In other words, the electronic control unit 102 simulates the driver turning his or her head 126 such that the virtual eyes 120 are positioned to see the first target position T1. It should be appreciated that the vertical axis A-A of the driver's head 126 represents the vertical axis of the driver's body. The vertical extends from the head to the feet of a human's body. Furthermore, it should be understood that humans are capable of rotating about their respective vertical axis to perform a three hundred and sixty degree turn.

FIG. 4 illustrates the driver directing his or her gaze towards the first target position T1 while also pointing in the pointing direction P. In other words, the driver has turned his or her head 126 such that his or her eyes 116 are aligned with the first target position T1. More specifically, the driver's eyes 116 are directed towards a third gaze direction D3 that is aligned with the tip 208 of the driver's finger 114 and is directed towards the first target position T1. Therefore, the driver is indicating the general direction of the first target position T1 by pointing his or her finger 114 towards the direction P. The driver is also gazing past the tip 208 of his or her finger 114 towards the first target position T1.

Turning back to FIGS. 2 and 3, a midpoint between the virtual eyes 120 of the driver is indicated as midpoint M2. The electronic control unit 102 calculates the midpoint M2 by first determining a second line segment S2 relative to the driver's head 126. The second line segment S2 intersects both of the virtual eyes 120 and is tangent with respect to the driver's head 126. The midpoint M2 represents a middle point between the two virtual eyes 120 that intersect the second line segment S2. In response to determining the midpoint M2 between the virtual eyes 120, the electronic control unit calculates a virtual gaze direction D2 of the driver. The electronic control unit 102 calculates the virtual gaze direction D2 by determining a vector that originates at the midpoint M2 and intersects the first point 200 of the driver's hand 110. As seen in FIG. 2, the vector is substantially perpendicular with respect to the second line segment S2.

It should be appreciated that the virtual gaze direction D2 represents a simulated gaze direction of the driver, where the driver is looking towards the first target position T1. That is, the driver's head 126 is turned such that the eyes 116 would be directed towards the first target position T1. More specifically, the virtual gaze direction D2 of FIG. 2 is the same as the third gaze direction D3 illustrated in FIG. 3. The third gaze direction D3 is aligned with the tip 208 of the driver's finger 114 and is directed towards the first target position T1.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the electronic control unit 102 determines the first target position T1 based on the virtual gaze direction D2. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 102 determines one or more objects indicated by the object signal generated by the object detection system 130 and the virtual gaze direction D2. The electronic control unit 102 determines the first target position T1 by identifying one or more objects that intersect with the vector associated with the virtual gaze direction D2. In such embodiments, the electronic control unit 102 may execute object recognition logic to classify the objects. In one embodiment, the electronic control unit 102 may employ the object recognition logic configured to recognize specific landmarks. Some examples of landmarks that may be recognized include, but are not limited to, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Empire State Building in New York City, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the like.

Calculation of the second target position T2 based on the position of the driver's hand 110 will now be described. Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 5, the electronic control unit 102 receives as input the gesture signal generated by the driver detection sensors 142. The gesture signal indicates at least two points located on the driver's hand 110. More specifically, the gesture signal indicates the first point 200 as well as a second point 202, where both points 200, 202 are located along the finger 114 of the driver's hand 110. As mentioned above, the first point 200 is located at the tip 208 of the driver's finger 114. The second point 202 is located along the driver's finger 114, at a location below the tip 208, and is collinear with respect to the first point 200. The points 200, 202 define a line segment 204, where the line segment 204 represents a pointing axis of the driver's finger 114. The pointing axis indicates the direction that the driver's hand 110 is pointing or gesturing towards. More specifically, in the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 5 the pointing axis (i.e., the line segment 204) is aligned with the driver's index finger 114. The electronic control unit 102 then extends the line segment 204 representing the pointing axis beyond the tip 208 of the driver's finger 114 to determine a vector that represents the pointing direction P.

The electronic control unit 102 then determines the second target position T2 based on the pointing direction P. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 102 may determine the second target position T2 based on one or more objects indicated by the object signal generated by the object detection system 130 and the vector representing the pointing direction P. The electronic control unit 102 determines the second target position T2 by identifying one or more objects that intersect with the vector associated with the pointing direction P2. Once the first target position T1 and the second target position T2 are calculated, the electronic control unit 102 may then determine the final target position 112.

Continuing to refer to both FIGS. 1 and 5, the electronic control unit 102 may first determine an angle A that is created by the first vector representing the virtual gaze direction D2 and the second vector representing the pointing direction P intersecting one another. The electronic control unit 102 then calculates an intersecting vector 206 that divides the angle A into two separate angles. Specifically, the angle A is divided into the first sub-angle α₁ and the second sub-angle α₂. The first sub-angle α₁ is measured between the vector representing the pointing direction P and the intersecting vector 206, and the second sub-angle α₂ is measured between the intersecting vector 206 and the driver's gaze direction D2.

In one embodiment, the electronic control unit 102 compares a first accuracy associated with the first target position T1 with a second accuracy associated with the second target position T2, and determines that both the first accuracy and the second accuracy are equal to one another. Accordingly, the first target position T1 and the second target position T2 are weighted equally to determine the final target position 112. In the non-limiting embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the intersecting vector 206 bisects the angle A to create two equal sub-angles α₁ and α₂. That is, the intersecting vector 206 divides the angle A into two equal parts. However, it is to be appreciated that the position of the intersecting vector 206 is not limited to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5.

In another embodiment, the electronic control unit 102 compares the first accuracy associated with the first target position T1 with the second accuracy associated with the second target position T2, and determines that the first accuracy is unequal with respect to the second accuracy. In response to determining the first target position T1 and the second target position T2 provide unequal accuracies, the electronic control unit 102 determines that the intersecting vector 206 divides the angle A into two unequal sub-angles α₁ and α₂. More specifically, in response to determining the first accuracy is greater accuracy than the second accuracy, the electronic control unit 102 divides the angle A by the intersecting vector 206 such that the first sub-angle α₁ is greater than the second sub-angle α₂. It should be appreciated that the intersecting vector 206 is directed towards the final target position 112. Accordingly, the virtual gaze direction D2 influences the final target position 112 more than the pointing direction P. Similarly, in response to determining the second accuracy is greater than the first accuracy, the electronic control unit 102 divides the angle A by the intersecting vector 206 such that the first sub-angle α₁ is less than the second sub-angle α₂ Accordingly, the intersecting vector 206 is drawn closer towards the pointing direction P.

The weight or influence given to either the pointing direction P or the virtual gaze direction D2 when calculating the final target position 112 is based at least in part by the particular identity of the driver. That is, the weight or influence of the pointing direction P and the virtual gaze direction D2 may vary between individuals. This is because different people point and look towards an object in a variety of configurations or position. More specifically, the accuracy of the virtual gaze direction D2 varies based on the identity of the driver since some people may tend to look directly at an object of interest while driving, while others do not look at the object directly. The accuracy of the pointing direction P is also variable since different people gesture towards an object by their hand using a variety of approaches. For instance, some people may gesture towards an object or position by pointing their index finger towards the object (i.e., as shown in the figures). However, other individuals may point towards an object may gesture towards an object using a different finger of their hand. Furthermore, as explained above, some individuals may even use another object grasp by their hand to gesture in a particular direction.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, in response to determining that the pointing direction P and the virtual gaze direction D2 provide equal accuracies, the electronic control module 102 weights the pointing direction P and the virtual gaze direction D2 equally. In response to determining the pointing direction P provides greater accuracy when compared to the virtual gaze direction D2, the electronic control unit 102 weights the pointing direction P more than the virtual gaze direction D2. Accordingly, the intersecting vector 206 in FIG. 5 is positioned closer to the pointing direction P and the second target T2. Similarly, in response to determining the virtual gaze direction D2 provides more accuracy than the pointing direction P, the electronic control unit 102 weights the virtual gaze direction D2 more than the pointing direction P. The intersecting vector 206 is also located closer towards the virtual gaze direction D2 and the first target location T1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the final target position 112 is determined based on the object signal generated by the object detection system 130 and the intersecting vector 206. Specifically, the electronic control unit 102 determines one or more objects based on the object signal that intersect with the intersecting vector 206, and identifies the object that intersects with the vector as the final target position 112. The object may be a person, another vehicle, a building, and the like. Once the final target position 112 is determined, the virtual gaze direction D2, the final target position 112, and the object classified using object recognition logic are communicated to one or more vehicle systems 180 from the electronic control unit 102 via the communication path 104. The vehicle systems 180 may be controlled based on at least one of the virtual gaze direction D2, the final target position 112, and the object classified using object recognition logic.

The vehicle systems 180 may include, but are not limited to, a GPS system or an interactive dialog system. An interactive dialog system converses with the driver using text, speech, gestures, haptics, and the like. In one embodiment, the interactive dialog system may assist the driver with identifying objects located in the final target position 112. For example, if the driver points towards the Empire State Building in New York City and asks “What am I pointing to?”, then the interactive dialog system would answer back “The Empire State Building”.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart 600 depicting a method for determining the final target position 112 is graphically depicted. As explained above, the final target position 112 is based on the virtual eye position as well as the direction that the driver points towards using his or her hand 110. It should be understood that embodiments are not limited by the order of steps of the flowchart 600 of FIG. 6.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 6, in block 602 of the flowchart 600 the electronic control unit 102 receives the gesture signal generated by the driver detection system 140. The gesture signal indicates that the driver is raising his or her hand 110 away from the steering wheel 144 of the vehicle 100 to point or otherwise draw attention to an object or a position located within the environment surrounding the vehicle 100. The method may then proceed to decision block 604.

In decision block 604, the electronic control unit 102 determines if the driver's gaze is directed towards the final target position 112. More specifically, the electronic control unit 102 determines if the driver's gaze direction D1 is directed towards the final target position 112 based on the direction signal generated by the driver gaze monitoring system 170 and the first point 200 on the driver's hand 110. If the driver's gaze direction D1 intersects the first point 200, then the electronic control unit 102 determines that the driver's gaze direction D1 is directed towards the final target position 112. The method may then terminate. However, if the electronic control unit 102 determines that the driver's gaze direction D1 does not intersect the first point 200 on the driver's hand 110, then the method may proceed to block 606.

In block 606, the electronic control unit 102 determines the position of the driver's eyes 116 (FIG. 2) based on the eye location signal generated by the driver gaze monitoring system 170. The method may then proceed to block 608.

In block 608, the electronic control unit 102 determines the first point 200 on the driver's hand 110 (FIG. 2) based on the gesture signal generated by the driver detection system 140. In the embodiment as illustrated, the first point 200 represents the tip 208 of the driver's index finger 114. However, as explained above, the disclosure is not limited to the driver's index finger 114. In fact, the first point 200 may be an object that the driver grasps in his or her hand such as a pen, a pencil, a pair of sunglasses, and the like. The method may then proceed to block 610.

In block 610, the electronic control unit 102 determines the position of the virtual eyes 120. Referring to FIG. 2, the virtual eyes 120 are calculated by rotating the actual position of the driver's eyes 116 about the vertical axis A-A of the driver's head 126 until the midpoint M1 measured between the driver's eyes 116 is aligned with the first point 200 of the driver's finger 114. The method may then proceed to block 612.

In block 612, the electronic control unit 102 calculates the virtual gaze direction D2 by determining a vector that originates at the midpoint M2 and intersects the first point 200 of the driver's hand 110. The method may then proceed to block 614.

In block 614, the electronic control unit 102 determines the second target position T2 based on the pointing direction P. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 102 may also determine one or more objects based on the object signal generated by the object detection system 130 and the vector representing the pointing direction P. More specifically, the object or objects indicated by the object signal that intersect with the vector as the second target position T2 may represent the second target position T2. The method may then proceed to block 616.

In block 616, the electronic control unit 102 determines the second target position T2 as seen in FIG. 5. The second target position T2 is determined based on the pointing direction P that indicates the direction that the driver is gesturing towards. More specifically, as seen in FIG. 5 the pointing direction P is collinear with respect to the pointing axis of the driver's finger 114 (the pointing axis is illustrated in FIG. 5 as the line segment 204). The method may then proceed to block 618.

In block 618, the electronic control unit 102 determines the intersecting vector 206 shown in FIG. 5. The intersecting vector 206 divides the angle A into the first sub-angle α₁ and the second sub-angle α₂. The first sub-angle α₁ is measured between the vector representing the pointing direction P and the intersecting vector 206, and the second sub-angle α₂ is measured between the intersecting vector 206 and the virtual gaze direction gaze direction D2. The method may then proceed to block 620.

In block 620, the electronic control unit determines the final target position 112 based on the object signal generated by the object detection system 130 and the intersecting vector 206. Specifically, the electronic control unit 102 determines one or more objects based on the object signal that intersect with the intersecting vector 206, and identifies the object that intersects with the vector as the final target position 112. The method may then terminate.

It should now be understood that embodiments described herein are directed to vehicle systems that determine a target position that a driver or passenger of the vehicle is attempting to point or otherwise gesture towards. More specifically, the disclosed system determines the final target position based on the first target position and the second target position, where the first target position is based on the virtual eye position and the second target position is based on the direction that the driver is pointing towards. The accuracy of the first target position and the second target position are based on the specific identity of the driver, since people tend to point and look at objects using different mannerisms. Thus, in some instances the first target position may be more accurate when compared to the second target position, and in other instances the second target position may be more accurate when compared to the first target position. The disclosed system takes advantage of the fluctuations in accuracy by weighting the target position having the greatest accuracy more heavily when determining the final target position.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vehicle, comprising: a user detection system configured to output a gesture signal in response to a hand of a user performing at least one gesture to indicate a final target position; a user gaze monitoring system configured to output an eye location signal that indicates an actual eye position of the user; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform at least the following: determine a first point and a second point located on the hand of the user based at least in part on the gesture signal from the user detection system, wherein the first point and the second point define a pointing axis of the hand of the user; calculate a virtual eye position based at least in part on the first point located on the hand of the user and the actual eye position; determine a midpoint measured between a pair of virtual eyes; determine a vector that originates at the midpoint and intersects the first point located on the hand of the user, wherein the vector represents a virtual gaze direction of the user; calculate a first target position based on the virtual eye position; calculate a second target position based on the pointing axis of the hand of the user; determine the final target position based on the first target position and the second target position; and control at least one vehicle system based at least in part on the final target position.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the machine-readable instructions further cause the one or more processors to: determine a presence of an object located in an environment surrounding the vehicle that intersects with the vector representing the virtual gaze direction; and identify the object that intersects with the vector as the first target position.
 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the machine-readable instructions further cause the one or more processors to: calculate an angle between two respective vectors that intersect one another, wherein a first vector represents the virtual gaze direction and a second vector represents the pointing axis of the hand of the user; and calculate an intersecting vector by dividing the angle into a first sub-angle and a second sub-angle, wherein the intersecting vector is directed towards the final target position.
 4. A vehicle, comprising: a user detection system configured to output a gesture signal in response to a hand of a user performing at least one gesture to indicate a final target position; a user gaze monitoring system configured to output an eye location signal that indicates an actual eye position of the user; one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform at least the following: determine a first point and a second point located on the hand of the user based at least in part on the gesture signal from the user detection system, wherein the first point and the second point define a pointing axis of the hand of the user; determine a vector by extending a line segment representing the pointing axis beyond the hand of the user, wherein the vector represents a pointing direction; determine a presence of an object located in an environment surrounding the vehicle that intersects with the vector representing the pointing direction; calculate a virtual eye position based at least in part on the first point located on the hand of the user and the actual eye position; calculate a first target position based on the virtual eye position; calculate a second target position based on the pointing axis of the hand of the user; identify the object that intersects with the vector as the second target position; determine the final target position based on the first target position and the second target position; and control at least one vehicle system based at least in part on the final target position.
 5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the machine-readable instructions further cause the one or more processors to: determine that the user is pointing towards the second target position by the hand, wherein the hand includes a plurality of digits that each define a respective tip; set the first point located on the hand of the user to the respective tip of a digit; and determine the vector that represents the pointing direction by extending the line segment beyond the first point of the hand of the user.
 6. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the machine-readable instructions further cause the one or more processors to: determine that the user is pointing towards the second target position by an article defining a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the user grasps the proximate end of the article with the hand and the distal end of the article is directed towards the second target position; set the first point located on the hand of the user as the distal end of the article; and determine the vector that represents the pointing direction by extending the line segment beyond the first point.
 7. A method of determining a final target position that a user of a vehicle is gesturing towards, the method comprising: determining, by a computer, a first point and a second point located on a hand of the user based at least in part on a gesture signal generated by a user detection system, wherein the first point and the second point define a pointing axis of the hand of the user; calculating a virtual eye position based at least in part on the first point located on the hand of the user and an actual eye position of the user, wherein an eye location signal generated by a user gaze monitoring system generates the actual eye position; determining a midpoint measured between a pair of virtual eyes; determining a vector that originates at the midpoint and intersects the first point located on the hand of the user, wherein the vector represents a virtual gaze direction of the user; calculating, by the computer, a first target position based on the virtual eye position; calculating, by the computer, a second target position based on the pointing axis of the hand of the user; determining the final target position based on the first target position and the second target position by the computer; and controlling at least one vehicle system based at least in part on the final target position.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: determining a presence of an object located in an environment surrounding the vehicle that intersects with the vector representing the virtual gaze direction; and identifying the object that intersects with the vector as the first target position.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: calculating an angle between two respective vectors that intersect one another, wherein a first vector represents the virtual gaze direction and a second vector represents the pointing axis of the hand of the user; and calculating an intersecting vector by dividing the angle into a first sub-angle and a second sub-angle, wherein the intersecting vector is directed towards the final target position. 